There are plenty of good yachts around for sale in the 9 to 10 metre length and $25k to $35k price range.

I am looking at Currawongs, Cav 32, Defiance 30, Carter 30 & 33, Adams 31, Holland 30, Swanson 32, Yamaha 30, Clansman 30, Noelex 30, Spencer 30 and of course Peterson/Santana 30 which I love.

The purpose of the yacht initially is to have a live aboard apartment at Scarborough marina in Brisbane with some Moreton Bay sailing for the rest of this year which of course means a decent shower and head to keep wifey happy, then fast cruising up and down the Qld coast.

So in my searching I came across the Lotus 9.2. When I was in Kiwiland late 70s the Lotus came out and was regarded as the ducks nuts for a luxury 30 footer.

Designed by Alan wright with moderate draft and displacement at 5'6" and 3.6 tonnes. For a 30 footer, very beamy at 11 feet which is carried aft to a transom hung rudder with skeg. The beam and hull form will give high resistance to heeling initially but could be prone to knock downs in heavy and gusty airs.

A simple single spreader mast head rig which appears to be deck stepped with all controls led aft to a spacious cockpit.

The engine is a 2QM 20 Yanmar with a fixed 3 blade prop. That model is a bit dated but they are a tough little engine.

Indications are that this yacht should sail like a witch though it was not designed specifically as a racing yacht.

Has any body here sailed on or against one of these??

Difficult choice.
Your personal preference - keep your wifey comfortable = what's left ?

Personally don't like Currawongs, Swanson with 36 cabin, in top condition
would be my choice, but they are younger boats on your list.

LooseChange said..

You sure about it sailing like a witch? Going on the numbers with a length to breadth ratio of 2.72:1 it sounds like it's not going to be a flyer unless the waterline specs are significantly better. With what was then the current thinking of the day it should more likely have a max beam of about 8.5 feet.

No I am not sure it will sail like a witch which is why I posed the question. LOA is 9.2 m, LWL is 8.0 m and beam is 3.35 m and underwater sections are quite flat. Wetted area will not significantly increase with heeling as with S&S designs.

So what formula do you use to determine how well this yacht will sail???

sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=6693

Sorry guys. I forgot to post the link to the yacht. Yes HaveFun, it is Second Wind.

I think the hull lines are similar to a Farr from that era. Certainly it has good accommodation.

http://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/sailing-boats/30-lotus-9-2/124871